Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair: 412 HD1 SD1, I vote yes. Chair votes. Vice Chair votes. Senator Mori votes.
• Yes chair votes chair votes I Vice chair Yes chair votes chair votes I Vice chair votes<00:45:42.640>
• If not, 1297 HD1 SD1, I vote yes. Call the members present. Any no votes or reservations?
• If not, Vice Chair, as is, I vote yes. By the way, on HB 1187 HD1, as is, Chair votes.
• If not, Vice Chair, HB 987 HD1 SD1, I vote yes. Are there any no votes or reservations?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 412 HD1, which would expand the definition of lobbying to include certain communications with high-level officials about procurement decisions and create presumptions regarding lobbying on behalf of private clients. The State Ethics Commission and State Procurement Office supported the measure, saying it would improve transparency and align Hawaii with other states, while the Hawaii Primary Care Association opposed it over concerns that employers and others could be swept in too broadly. No public testimony or questions led to any action on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House Bill 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain research purposes and clarify the Office of Information Practices’ rulemaking authority. OIP and the Public First Law Center supported the bill, arguing it would create uniform standards and that concerns could be handled through rules. The University of Hawaiʻi system, DBEDT, DHS, DLNR, and others raised concerns about the breadth of the terms “research” and “researcher,” privacy, confidential information, and possible misuse; Hawaiian Electric also warned about access to sensitive infrastructure information. Members questioned whether the bill was premature and whether definitions should be narrowed in statute, and OIP said it would consider working with agencies and the University on clearer definitions. House Bill 792 HD1, relating to the Office of the Legislative Analyst, drew no testimony beyond a late written support from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the committee moved on without discussion. The committee then heard House Bill 1424, which would restrict transfers between appropriated funds for positions and operating expenses. Budget and Finance explained that current practice allows transfers from payroll to other current expenses when there are savings, but legislative appropriations for specific purposes must still be spent for that purpose. Several agencies expressed opposition or concerns, saying the bill could reduce flexibility, especially in response to federal funding changes or vacant positions, though members emphasized transparency and accountability. Budget and Finance suggested a reporting approach instead, and the committee discussed quarterly reporting as a possible alternative. Finally, the committee began House Bill 1153 HD1, which concerns funding adjustments for state programs and capital improvement projects and establishes a protocol fund. Budget and Finance, DAGS, and the State Procurement Office supported the measure, while the General Contractors Association and several construction-related groups opposed section two, arguing it would undo recent procurement protest-bond safeguards adopted in Act 162. The hearing then moved on toward House Bill 1297, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• surveillance or monitoring others voting surveillance or monitoring others voting behavior<01:33
• Speech inside the polling place is your vote.
• of voting you're allowed to wear of voting you're allowed to wear whatever<01:35:34.960> shirt
• <01:35:38.719> ex long as you're in the act of voting ex long as you're in the act of voting
• I did vote to pass this in committee.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, uh, Madam Vice Chair Lamosao for the vote. Chair votes aye.
• For GM the vote. Chair votes aye. Okay.
• Chair votes aye. advise and consent. Chair votes aye.
• If not, Vice Chair Lamosao for the vote. Chair votes aye.
• Lamasao for the vote. Chair, vote aye. Lamasao for the vote. Chair, vote aye.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several gubernatorial nominations to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council and one nomination to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board. For GM 779, Mark Fong Su Wat said he would bring his experience as an electrician and labor community member to workforce development, and he committed to serving if confirmed. Testimony was unanimously supportive, with 10 in support and none opposed, and the committee voted to recommend advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted. For GM 792, Sheryl Cross sought a second term on the Workforce Development Council and described her work on employer engagement, military veteran affairs, and military spouse employment. In response to questions, she emphasized the need to better connect military spouses, underrepresented workers, and students pursuing trades or non-college pathways to jobs, including through school academies and online hiring initiatives. The item was held for later decision-making. For GM 793, Ashley Lohua, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council, said her focus would be helping people stay in Hawaii by improving job retention, listening to community concerns, and building pathways between sectors. Support testimony highlighted her work with marginalized communities and her empathy and leadership. She told the committee she would use her nonprofit and HR experience to help address vacancies and workforce barriers; the item was also held for later decision-making. For GM 774, Douglas Thomas Moore, nominated to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, said his first priority would be reducing the backlog. He proposed using informal conferences and mediation to speed workers’ compensation appeals and suggested recruiting more practitioners, especially younger ones, into the field. The committee noted 11 supportive testimonies and no opposition; no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Perrick, no vote. 2047. Representative Perrick, no vote.
• Representative Pirick, no vote. So 2049. Representative Pirick, no vote.
• Representative Muroka, no vote. So 2051. Representative Muroka, no vote.
• No vote. ordered. Representative Purick. No vote. So<00:22:06.799> ordered.
• No<00:35:32.480> vote.<00:35:33.040> So No vote. So No vote.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, let's open the vote. Votes open. Everyone's voted. Anyone want to change your vote?
• With that, we'll close the vote. Six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting. The amendment is passed.
• With that, we'll open the vote on House Bill 1247 as amended. Votes open. Everyone's voted.
• Everyone's voted. Anyone want to change your vote? With that, we'll close the vote.
• Six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting. Thank you. Six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee reconvened to address House Bill 1247, relating to protection of a student who is a victim of sexual assault. Senator Axtman explained that a proposed amendment to extend suspension time in rare cases where a case remains active was not adopted because it could conflict with providing adequate educational access, and the committee agreed not to amend that provision. Members then clarified a separate amendment to HB 1247 that incorporated testimony-based changes, including language addressing notice procedures for juvenile and adult cases and students who are over 18 but still enrolled in high school. The committee adopted Amendment 25.0807.02001 to HB 1247 by a 6-0 vote. Afterward, the committee passed HB 1247 as amended on a 6-0 vote, and Senator Wobbema was assigned as carrier. The committee also briefly confirmed that HB 1223 was already good to go and did not require further action. At the end of the meeting, members discussed the schedule for the following Monday and agreed to start at 10:00 a.m. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You were the only Democrat to vote for it. How do you assess that vote?
• I know that people will be hurt by that vote.
• And people will be hurt by that vote.
• understand why you made that vote. understand why you made that vote.
• read the bills that we voted on today? read the bills that we voted on today?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Four votes. All right, that has four votes.
• Four votes. All right, that item has four votes.
• Four votes. All right, that is four votes. We will leave that open for absent members to add on.
• Four votes. All right, that is four votes. We'll leave that open for absent members to add on.
• Four votes. All right, you have four votes. Congratulations.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chen not voting. Ellis not voting. Gibson. Hadwick. Haribedian. Krell. Aye. Krell. I. Nguyen.
• I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• I respectfully ask for your aye vote, Chair.
• I plan to vote for the bill today.
• I vote at the appropriate time. Thank you, Senator Zver.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy insurance committee agenda covering wildfire mitigation, Fair Plan oversight, consumer protections, and insurance underwriting issues. Among the measures discussed were AB 1888, requiring California Safe Homes Grant Program work to be done by a skilled and trained workforce at prevailing wage; AB 1680, the Make-It-Fair Act, which would strengthen accountability and consumer protections for the California FAIR Plan; AB 1559, which would require notice and access rights when insurers use aerial imagery in underwriting or nonrenewal decisions; and AB 1798, which would restrict life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer genetic test results, in underwriting below a $1.5 million coverage threshold. The committee also considered AB 2038, extending wildfire-related insurance moratoriums for homeowners after major fires, and AB 1800, adding eyewear to the portable electronics insurance framework. AB 2198 was introduced near the end of the transcript to address title insurance filing practices. Testimony was largely in support of the consumer and worker protections in AB 1888, AB 1559, AB 1680, AB 1798, and AB 2038. Supporters included the Insurance Commissioner, labor representatives, consumer groups, local officials, and advocacy organizations, who argued the bills would improve fairness, transparency, rebuilding stability, and access to insurance. Opposition centered on AB 1680, AB 1798, and AB 2038. The FAIR Plan and insurance industry representatives argued AB 1680 needed more clarification and that AB 2038 could worsen market instability by limiting insurers’ ability to rebalance risk. On AB 1798, life insurance industry witnesses said genetic information can be actuarially relevant and that the bill could create information asymmetry and higher premiums, while supporters said the bill would protect privacy and encourage testing and research. The committee took several votes. AB 1680 and AB 1559 were moved on a due-pass basis, with the roll left open for absent members. The consent calendar, including AB 1554, AB 1683, AB 1781, and AB 2471, was approved. AB 1888 was passed to the Committee on Labor and Employment. AB 1798 was passed as amended to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 2038 was passed to the Committee on Appropriations after extended debate over wildfire recovery timelines and the market impact of longer moratoriums. AB 1800 was also passed to Appropriations. The transcript ends as AB 2198 is being introduced, before further testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any no votes?
• With<00:35:26.359> a<00:35:26.400> vote<00:35:26.760> of With a vote of With a vote
• Are there any no votes?
• Are there any<00:39:13.160> no<00:39:13.359> votes? any no votes? any no votes?
• Are there any no votes?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we will be voting after the conclusion of all testimony and then we will be voting on each well will
• be voting to as a block on certain ones.
• Hell no by your vote.
• Yes, we do have the votes.
• Aye votes and, yes, do any other senators have votes they need to have recorded and the recording?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Have all those voted who intend to vote?
• Roll call is open for your rules vote I. Roll call is open for your vote.
• votes?
• Twenty members voting I.
• And a roll call machine is open for your voting. >> Have all members voted?

Keywords: Several minutes after the convene vote and before the introduction failed to properly steam. This version was pulled from a local back up., 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 97 members present, declared a quorum, approved excusing absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal for February 25, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 98 and 122 and requested concurrence. The House then received second-reading reports on a range of bills, including measures on prison educational programs, respiratory care, dietitians, wildlife depredation, temporary structures, military families, civil rights, local boards of education, light pollution, controlled-substance prescribing licenses, youth health services, class sizes for exceptional children, the athletic trainer compact, limited commercial driver’s licenses, and Senate Bill 145 relating to the Department of Agriculture and Alcohol Beverage Control. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including the main budget bills House Bill 500 and House Bill 504, along with measures on workforce investment, data centers, domestic violence, guardians ad litem, domestic relations, health delivery and “food is medicine” initiatives, state personnel, open records, and fish and wildlife resources. House Bill 500 and House Bill 504 were taken from the Rules Committee and placed on the orders of the day. House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, was then taken up for third reading and explanation. Members presented extensive floor explanations of House Bill 500 and House Committee Substitute 1, describing it as a “good first draft” of the executive budget. Supporters said the proposal emphasizes restrained spending growth, base reductions with exemptions for key areas, employee salary increments, and deposits to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future one-time investments. They highlighted funding for K-12 education, postsecondary aid and workforce training, Medicaid and behavioral health, public health infrastructure, pensions, veterans, public safety, economic development, tourism, and state technology and facility maintenance. The budget substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the discussion continued with detailed descriptions of the bill’s provisions; no final passage vote was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• green vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. green vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Let's vote green.
• Members, please vote. The chief clerk will call the names of the members who are voting remotely.
• the members who are voting remotely. the members who are voting remotely.
• <00:16:38.640> Momani Davis votes no. Davis votes no. Momani Davis votes no.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first took up a resolution commemorating Peace Officer Memorial Day and Police Week in Minnesota. Members read a series of “whereas” clauses honoring fallen peace officers, including the addition of three names to the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Honor Roll, and recognizing the service of the state’s more than 10,000 peace officers. The resolution was adopted without objection. The chamber then moved to conference committee reports and calendar actions, including a Rules and Legislative Administration report placing several bills on the calendar for the next day. The main substantive item was the conference committee report on House File 4252, the higher education finance and policy bill. Supporters said the bill included $3 million for identity verification systems to combat enrollment fraud or “ghost students,” $2.7 million to cover a shortfall in the Fostering Independence grant program for foster youth, and $5,000 for tree replacement at Bemidji State University. They also noted the bill did not address the larger state grant shortfall, which several members described as a structural problem. During debate, supporters emphasized the need to stop enrollment fraud and protect foster students’ access to higher education, while also praising the conference committee process and public deliberations. Opponents criticized the bill for failing to fix the state grant deficit and argued that Minnesota students were not being prioritized. After discussion, the House adopted the conference committee report, gave the bill its third reading, and then repassed House File 4252 as amended by conference by a vote of 101 yeas to 33 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• All those in favor vote aye, all those opposed vote nay. Clerk, prepare the machine.
• Is every member voted? Does every member vote? Clerk, close the machine and ask for the results.
• Is every member voted? Does every member vote? Clerk, close the machine and ask for the results.
• All those in favor vote aye, all those opposed vote nay. The clerk will prepare the machine.
• Is every member voted? Does every member vote? Clerk, close the machine and ask for the results.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you should vote yes on this next motion. you should vote yes on this next motion.
• She will please open the machine and members proceed to vote. Members, we are voting.
• >> Yes. >> Representative Velasco votes yes. >> Representative Leader, how do you vote?
• >> Yes. >> Representative Leader votes yes. Members, we are voting. Please take your seats.
• >> Yes. >> Representative Velasco votes yes. >> Representative Leader, how do you vote?

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with 55 members present and 10 excused, established a quorum, and approved the journal of Monday, January 26, 2026, as corrected. The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 5, designating Colorado 4-H Day. Representatives Johnson and McCormick spoke in support, noting the visit from 4-H members and reciting the 4-H pledge. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 59-0, with six excused. The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of announcements and recognitions. Members highlighted upcoming legislative receptions for the Colorado Airport Operators Association and livestock groups, committee meetings including SMART Act hearings, Judiciary Committee items, Transportation/Housing/Local Government business, and a House Finance Committee meeting. Several members also recognized visiting groups and constituents, including behavioral health providers, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery, Heritage Heights Academy students, and House District 6 community leaders. A significant portion of the floor time was devoted to a personal privilege statement by Minority Leader Caldwell, who responded to concerns about immigration enforcement, emphasized the rule of law and due process, and criticized rhetoric he said endangered law enforcement and others. The House then moved into recess later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, has everyone recorded their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote? Explain their vote.
• President, has everyone recorded their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote, explain their vote?
• I'm very troubled about voting this bill, but I will vote for it.
• voting this bill but I will vote for it. voting this bill but I will vote for it.
• Has everyone recorded their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote, explain their vote?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Dr. Patrick Claybourne of Bethl AM Church in Baltimore, introduced by the senator from the 40th district, who highlighted the church’s long history, community work, scholarships, food pantry, school partnerships, and a planned rise center. The Senate journalized the invocation and then recognized several guests, including the Bethesda Roosters U16 rugby team, which was congratulated for winning the Maryland state title and the 2025 National U16 Championship, and members of the Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland. The chamber also welcomed a Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board appointment letter, which was referred to the Executive Nominations Committee, and later a delegation from the Ghana Parliament legislative staff visiting with the Department of Legislative Services and NCSL representatives. The main floor business centered on Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings. The minority whip argued against the bill, saying it was unenforceable, an improper use of legislative time amid other state crises, and could create a system where local officers detain federal officers for a civil violation; he also said officers mask themselves because of threats and doxxing. Senators in support argued the bill was needed to address masked ICE agents, protect public safety, and respond to concerns about civil rights abuses and intimidation. After debate and vote explanations from senators, including one emphasizing immigrant heritage and another supporting the bill as a protection measure, SB 1 passed with 31 affirmative votes. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill on alcoholic beverages related event promoters permits, by unanimous affirmative vote. It next took up Senate Bill 245, an emergency bill prohibiting immigration enforcement agreements. The minority leader questioned whether the bill would eliminate formalized 287(g) agreements and replace them with county-by-county policies, arguing that this could reduce uniformity, weaken safety, and create a patchwork of local practices. The bill’s sponsor responded that counties would still be bound by constitutional and legal limits, that the agreements provide minimal training and resources, and that the state should stop formally cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The sponsor also said the bill would not increase profiling and that public safety would remain intact. The debate continued with concerns about Montgomery County’s evolving policy and the impact on smaller counties, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 245.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those voting yes, 26. Those voting no, 2.
• Those voting no, Those voting yes, 26.
• Those voting yes, 26. Those voting no, zero.
• Those voting yes, 28. Those voting no, zero.
• Those voting no, Those voting yes, 28.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye. Senator DeCoite votes aye. Senator Rhoads votes aye.
• Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye. Senator DeCoite votes aye. Senator Rhoads votes aye.
• Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye. Senator DeCoite votes aye. Senator Rhoads votes aye.
• Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye. Senator DeCoite votes aye. Senator Rhoads votes aye.
• Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye. Senator DeCoite votes aye. Senator Rhoads votes aye.

Bills: SB874, SB2097, SB2098, SB2126, SB2154, SB2153, SB2160, SB2123, SB2110

Keywords: veterinary medicine, prescription, consumer rights, transparency, pet medication, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food system resilience, grant program, Hawaii agriculture, agriculture, clean plant program, disease-free plants, plant propagation, small farms, midsize farms, sustainable farming, Hawaii, data analysis, market study

Summary: The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. SB 874 on veterinary medicine would require veterinarians, upon a client’s request, to provide a written prescription for an animal patient in an existing veterinary client-patient relationship, allow Hawaii-licensed pharmacies to dispense those prescriptions, and authorize the Veterinary Medicine Board to set penalties. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with supporters citing lower costs and consumer choice; the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association said veterinarians already should be doing this and supported the bill if amended. One testifier in opposition argued the bill needed a conspicuous notice requirement so pet owners know they can request prescriptions. Committee members and the Department of Agriculture said they were not aware of widespread problems, and discussion focused on whether the measure was already consistent with current practice and whether amendments would address remaining concerns. The committee also heard SB 2097, which would create a climate-resilient food systems grant program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and appropriate funds. The department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and others supported the bill, saying it could help farmers and ranchers invest in resilience, infrastructure, and technology. Several testifiers asked for clearer definitions, especially for terms like “food hubs” and “resilience hubs,” and suggested adding technical assistance and clearer eligibility criteria. The department explained the program was intended for shovel-ready projects in the middle of the supply chain, with a focus on farmers in a certain revenue range, and said it was modeled on a USDA program. SB 2098 would establish a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material to growers, nurseries, and other producers. Testimony was supportive, emphasizing biosecurity, nursery industry needs, and preventing invasive species and crop disease. The department described the program as using tested clean stock, tissue culture facilities, and data collection to support future planting decisions, and estimated a two-year ramp-up. Members questioned whether the program duplicated existing work at CTR/other partners and whether data collection should be centralized, but the department said the effort would build on existing varieties and partnerships rather than overlap them. Finally, SB 2126 would create a conventional farming grant program for small and midsize conventional farmers. Supporters from the department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council said conventional agriculture deserves support and that the bill would help increase food production. Opposition and comments focused on the bill’s exclusion of organic farmers; one farmer said the measure was unfair unless amended to include organic producers, while a Farmers Union witness said the bill was too vague about the grant’s purpose and should be clearer about its goals. In response to questions, the department said the exclusion of organic farming was not intentional and that the bill was meant to support all agriculture, though no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:30:41.520> No<01:30:41.760> vote<01:30:42.199> from vote. No vote.
• No vote from vote. No vote. Okay. No vote from Representative<01:30:44.800> Soua.
• Seeing none, chair for the vote. We're voting on HCR 197.
• vote. Okay, members are voting on HR86 vote.
• Okay, members, we're voting on the vote.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Water and Land met on March 25, 2025, and first announced it had deleted HCR 3 and HCR 4567 from the agenda pending similar Senate measures. It then heard HR 35/HCR 40, which urges DLNR and other state agencies to work with community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands. DLNR’s urban and community forester testified in strong support, and several organizations and individuals submitted support; there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee next heard HCR 64, asking OPSD to convene a working group on establishing and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. OPSD and the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience supported the resolution and suggested friendly amendments, including replacing county civil defense representatives with mayors or their designees and allowing subject-matter experts to serve. Members questioned the office’s role, funding, and relationship to other resilience and emergency management offices, and the witness explained it was created after the Maui wildfires to coordinate long-term recovery, with special-project funding and a focus distinct from response and mental health functions. The committee also heard HR 59/HCR 65 on coordinating concurrent reviews of general plan, district boundary, and zoning amendments during land reclassification. OPSD testified with comments and warned that the proposal could facilitate spot zoning if individual landowners could use the concurrent process, recommending it be limited to county-initiated actions. A related discussion followed on HR 118/HCR 122, which would create a collaborative working group on surveying and protecting iwi kūpuna and related coastal erosion issues; DNR, OHA, and others supported it with suggested additions, and testimony emphasized cultural sensitivity and community-specific decision-making. Members asked about burial practices and a recent court ruling, and witnesses said the working group could help guide broader policy and communication. Finally, the committee heard HR 145/HCR 151, requesting DLNR to report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. DLNR said it was recruiting staff to conduct lease inspections but had difficulty filling positions due to compensation, and explained that new or extended leases can include inspection requirements, while retroactive cost-shifting would raise contractual issues. Members asked for information on lease renewal timelines and whether inspection provisions were being added to renewals; DLNR said those decisions are made in public sunshine meetings and agreed to provide additional information. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will take a vote. With a vote on the roll call, Mr.
• We will take a vote. With a vote on the roll call, Mr.
• We will take a vote. With a vote on the roll call, Mr.
• We will take a vote. With a vote on the roll call, Mr.
• We will take a vote. With a vote on the roll call, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:28.239> Chair's draft 1, I vote yes. Chair's draft 1, I vote yes.
• there any no votes or reservations? there any no votes or reservations?
• I vote yes. chair 2970 Senate draft 1. I vote yes.
• I vote yes. trap one. I vote yes.
• Senate Draft 1, I vote yes on SB 2352. Are there any no votes or reservations?

Bills: SB2543, SB2435, SB2352

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Summary: The Committee on Government Operations reconvened on February 10, 2026, to take up measures previously heard on February 5. It advanced SB 2983 on criminal destruction of trees with technical, non-substantive amendments and a committee report note asking Judiciary to clarify that removal of invasive species remains allowed; the measure passed with one no vote. SB 2930 on the state risk management revolving fund also passed with amendments, including blanking out the amount, setting a defective date, and directing Ways and Means to review a spreadsheet before further action. The committee likewise passed SB 2928 on making the small business procurement program permanent and SB 2970 on standards of conduct for state agency contracts, adopting the Ethics Commission’s recommended language assigning compliance responsibility to department directors and deputy directors. SB 2927 and SB 3068 on procurement were deferred to a time certain on February 12, and SB 3015 on personal information, SB 2929 on public notice, and SB 2938 on search and rescue were also deferred for further discussion or to avoid re-referral issues. SB 2662 on external consultants was amended to remove a cap and preemptive approval language, narrow the expertise standard, and note possible auditor staffing or appropriation needs; it then passed with amendments. The joint GVO-EIG hearing then took up SB 2543 on state construction projects and an Office of the State Construction Manager within DAGS. Testimony from the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund strongly supported the bill, saying it could reduce wasteful spending on large design-build projects and free money for tax credits and other public needs. DAGS, the University of Hawaii, and DLNR offered written comments, while one witness from KIC opposed the measure and asked for an exemption for member-owned electric cooperatives. A Hawaii Solar Energy Association witness also supported the bill but asked that landscape architects be excluded from the bill’s definition of design professionals, and Rocky Mold said Kauai permitting was efficient enough that he had no objection to carving it out. The committee adopted amendments from DNR, DAGS, and UH and passed SB 2543. The hearing also considered SB 2435 on EV charging infrastructure at state facilities. DAGS and the Hawaii State Energy Office supported the concept and explained that the goal was to retrofit managed parking facilities with infrastructure that can meet current and future EV needs, while acknowledging that some stalls can sit unused and that the state must balance space and enforcement. Members raised concerns about whether dedicating 25% of stalls to EV charging would reduce usable parking, and about rural and Big Island conditions where EV range and battery capacity remain limiting. The discussion noted that DOT, DNR, DOE, and DOH may have their own parking facilities outside DAGS control. The committee then indicated it would broaden the bill to apply to all state agencies and lower the threshold in response to member concerns, with final action not fully shown in the transcript.